The food industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and consumer trends shaping the future of food production and consumption. In recent years, a wave of innovative companies has emerged, revolutionising the way food is produced, processed, and enjoyed. These companies are leveraging cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and consumer insights to create groundbreaking products and redefine the food industry.
Since 1953, Commercial Bakeries has been delighting taste buds with a diverse range of cookies, from classic favourites like chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin to seasonal delights like pumpkin spice sandwich cookies and butter shortbread. As a leading manufacturer of private-label cookies and crackers, the company empowers retailers and brand owners to deliver exceptional quality and innovation.
Under the leadership of industry veteran Shawn Warren, CEO of Commercial Bakeries, the company is embarking on a new era of innovation, committed to its new vision of “Baking Up Better” and exceeding customer expectations. The company is leveraging cutting-edge techniques and strategies to elevate its sweet treats to new heights.
The Art and Science of Cookie Making
“Baking Up Better” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a commitment to excellence across all aspects of its business. Commercial Bakeries is dedicated to producing superior products, providing exceptional customer service, and fostering strong partnerships across its employees and other stakeholders. By focusing on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, the company is setting new standards in the baking industry.
From classic favourites to modern, health-conscious options, Commercial Bakeries offers a diverse range of products to meet the evolving needs of consumers. The company’s commitment to food safety and quality assurance is reflected in its adherence to rigorous quality standards and industry-leading certifications.
With a talented team of over 400 employees, Commercial Bakeries is well-equipped to meet the demands of its diverse customer base. The company’s focus on responsiveness and attention to detail ensures that each project, from small-batch specialty items to large-scale production runs, is executed with precision and care.
A Sweet Success Story
By staying attuned to market trends and fostering strong relationships with its customers and stakeholders, Commercial Bakeries offers more than just cookies. They provide valuable insights into consumer behaviour, retail trends, ingredient and packaging trends and industry best practices. This expertise enables the company to proactively address customer needs, deliver high-quality products, and pursue sustainable practices including reducing waste and energy consumption.
Commercial Bakeries’ commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of its operations. The company’s agile approach enables it to respond quickly to market changes and customer demands. Unlike traditional manufacturers, Commercial Bakeries embrace rapid prototyping and continuous improvement, allowing them to deliver innovative solutions efficiently.
From Oven to Table
Inspired by the efficiency of Formula 1 pit crews, Commercial Bakeries has implemented a highly efficient production system. By mounting most of its production machinery on wheels, the team can quickly adapt to changing customer needs and minimise downtime. This nimble approach allows for rapid product development and seamless transitions between production runs.
The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its continuous development of new and exciting products. Over the last year, the company has more than tripled the number of seasoned leaders within its R&D team, and now has a combined over 140 years of cookies and crackers baking expertise across its R&D team. By leveraging the expertise of its seasoned leadership team and collaborating closely with its Sales, R&D and operations teams, Commercial Bakeries is able to bring innovative products to market quickly and efficiently. With its strategic factory location centred in Toronto, Canada and global shipping capabilities, Commercial Bakeries delivers its products to customers worldwide.
Why Choose Commercial Bakeries?
From experimenting with new recipes to inventing unique flavours and refining production methods, they are committed to improving every aspect of their craft. At Commercial Bakeries, every partnership is a true collaboration.
| Innovation | Driven by curiosity and a deep passion for the art of baking, Commercial Bakeries’ R&D team applies its combined 140 years of cookie & cracker baking expertise, continually pushing the boundaries of flavour, technique, and process. |
| Customer-Focused | With a customer-first mindset, Commercial Bakeries works as though they’ve been alongside their clients from day one, ensuring partnership, alignment and success at every step. |
| Flexibility | Flexibility is at the core of Commercial Bakeries’ operations. Whether it’s creating seasonal items, experimenting with new baked ingredients for the dessert industry or handling specialty cookie requests, they are able to adapt and bring clients’ creative visions to life. |
| Efficiency | Over the years, Commercial Bakeries has honed its processes for maximum efficiency. By leveraging the latest technology, continually refining production techniques, and providing team training, they ensure streamlined operations. |
The team invests in understanding each client’s unique needs and goals, aiming to become an invaluable extension of their customers’ businesses. As a trusted private-label and brand owner partner, they are ready to deliver customised solutions that align with their clients’ needs. Their dedication to efficiency and eliminating waste allows them to pass savings onto their clients while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
The Secret Ingredient
To meet the evolving needs of consumers who are seeking out better-for-you snack options and portion control snacks, Commercial Bakeries has embraced innovative ingredients and packaging solutions. The company’s focus on convenience and health has led to the development of gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, single-serve, portion-control cookie options, particularly popular in schools with peanut-free and allergen-free policies. The company’s Toronto, Canada factory is proudly a peanut-free and tree-nut-free production facility and its team does rigorous testing to uphold this promise to its customers.
Commercial Bakeries has established itself as a trusted partner for over 80 retailers and brand owners across North America and international markets, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the Philippines, South Africa, and Chile. By consistently introducing high-quality better-for-you and affordable products, the company has driven significant growth and sales for its client base.
Fostering a Culture of Excellence
Commercial Bakeries fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment, where employees from different backgrounds and cultures come together to drive innovation. This diversity of thought and experience fuels creativity and teamwork, enabling the company to develop products that resonate with a wide range of consumers.
Commercial Bakeries is committed to creating a safe and engaging work environment. The company has implemented rigorous safety protocols, resulting in a dramatic improvement in its safety culture. Additionally, by investing in its workforce and fostering a positive and inclusive culture, the company has been able to retain top talent, demonstrably reduce employee turnover levels and significantly boost employee morale.
Innovating the Snacking Experience
Innovation is at the heart of Commercial Bakeries’ strategy. The company has significantly expanded its R&D team to drive the development of new and exciting products. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and consumer insights, Commercial Bakeries is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of a diverse customer base.
Commercial Bakeries is poised to become a leading force in the baked snack industry. The company’s commitment to rapid product development and innovation has enabled it to consistently deliver on-trend snacks that resonate with its customers and consumers. This focus on agility and speed-to-market has been instrumental in driving significant growth and market share.
Since its acquisition by Graham Partners in September 2023, Commercial Bakeries has experienced substantial growth, both in revenue and production capacity. The company’s ability to quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences and market trends has been a key driver of this success.
Expanding Horizons
Commercial Bakeries, always a key player in the cookie market, has expanded its horizons to offer a full range of cookies and crackers to its diverse client base. The recent acquisition of Imagine Baking in May 2024, a renowned producer of premium, health-conscious crackers and soft-baked cookies, marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory across cookies and crackers. This strategic move allows Commercial Bakeries to leverage Imagine Baking’s expertise in gluten-free, organic, and better-for-you crackers to further diversify its product portfolio and strengthen its market position.
As consumer preferences evolve towards healthier and more convenient snack options, Commercial Bakeries is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend. The company’s state-of-the-art production facilities and dedicated R&D team enable it to develop innovative products that meet the needs of today’s discerning consumers.
With a collection of over 800 recipes, Commercial Bakeries specialises in crafting cookies and crackers tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From classic favourites to innovative new creations, their extensive portfolio is designed to delight customers and elevate any offering.
